NEWCASTLE United target Brett Emerton has admitted he would love a move to England.

The Australia international has been wanted by Magpies boss Sir Bobby Robson for over a year, and the midfielder's comments will alert Robson.

Emerton, who played against Newcastle for Feyenoord in the Champions League, is rated at around £12m by his Dutch club.

Robson was not prepared to pay that sort of money for the skilful middle-man during the summer.

Newcastle could now opt to make a renewed bid for Emerton - who is also wanted by Leeds United - when the transfer window reopens in January.

"I love the way the game is played in England, the way it flows and the fact you are encouraged to take players on," said Emerton. "That's my game."

Robson has also stepped up his bid to bolster his leaky defence.

Chelsea's out-of-favour John Terry is the latest centre-back to attract the interest of the Newcastle boss, who is determined to make additions in January.

Centre-back Terry has been tipped as a future England regular, but he has been unable to make himself first choice for the Blues this season.

The impressive partnership of Marcel Desailly and William Gallas at Chelsea has meant only a substitute's role for Terry, who could cost as much as £8m.

Robson is also a big admirer of Gallas, but the French international's form is likely to mean his manager, Claudio Ranieri, would be keen to keep hold of one of his prize assets.

If Newcastle move for either player, Robson's chances could be boosted by the cash-strapped Stamford Bridge club's need to sell to ease their reported £97m debts.

In the summer Chelsea tried to sign Middlesbrough's loan star Geremi from Real Madrid but the £7.7m asking price was understood to be too high for them.

Robson is also monitoring a number of other defenders. Rangers' Lorenzo Amoruso and Lazio's Jaap Stam have both been mentioned and, as revealed in Northern Echo Sport, Arsenal's Matthew Upson has already spent time training on Tyneside.

It is unclear whether Upson did enough to impress, but the 23-year-old is understood to be hopeful of making the switch.

Saturday's 5-3 defeat at Manchester United has forced Robson to consider his options when the transfer window opens again.

Newcastle have had 17 goals scored against them in seven away games this season.

Robson tried to address his defensive problems in the summer when he paid £5m for Titus Bramble, but injury has limited his progress after overcoming a shaky start at his new club.

Meanwhile, Newcastle's Nolberto Solano has admitted he could leave the club if he fails to reclaim a first-team place.

The skilful Peruvian winger had a bust-up with Robson after being left out of the starting line-up for the Champions' League game with Feyenoord.

And Solano, who has been a target for Real Madrid, said: "I'm quite happy at Newcastle and I'm not planning to go anywhere.

"But I've been at the club for more than four seasons now and I just don't expect to be on the bench.

"If I'm not playing first team football then I would have to consider my future."

Solano is expected to be recalled to Newcastle's starting line-up for tomorrow night's mouthwatering Champions' League clash with Inter Milan at St. James' Park.

* Two of Newcastle's young strikers - Michael Chopra and Richard Offiong - are hoping to play for the England Under-20s against Italy tomorrow night at the Stadium of Light.

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